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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
08:15
Gastrointestinal Motility Monitor (GIMM)
Published on: December 1, 2010
Gastrointestinal motility disorders during pregnancy
T H Baron1, B Ramirez, J E Richter
1University of Alabama, Birmingham.
Annals of Internal Medicine
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Pregnancy-related gastrointestinal motility disorders are mainly caused by hormonal shifts, not uterine pressure. Understanding these changes and safe treatments is crucial for managing pregnant patients effectively.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Gastroenterology
- Reproductive Endocrinology
Background:
- Pregnancy significantly alters gastrointestinal (GI) function.
- Hormonal changes, particularly progesterone and estrogen, are primary drivers of these GI alterations.
- Physical pressure from the gravid uterus plays a minor role in pregnancy-related GI motility changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal motility disorders during pregnancy.
- To outline the clinical manifestations of these disorders.
- To discuss current management strategies for pregnant patients.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of Index Medicus and MEDLINE (1963-1992).
- Inclusion of studies on pregnancy physiology, hormonal effects on the GI tract, and clinical data.
- Evaluation of epidemiological data, causes, manifestations, complications, and hormonal associations.
Main Results:
- Hormonal changes, primarily progesterone, are the main cause of GI motility alterations in pregnancy.
- Reduced lower esophageal sphincter pressure leads to gastroesophageal reflux.
- Altered gastric motility causes nausea/vomiting; decreased transit rates cause bloating and constipation.
Conclusions:
- Gastrointestinal motility disorders complicate many pregnancies annually.
- Physicians must possess knowledge of pregnancy-related GI physiology and safe treatment options.
- Effective management requires understanding underlying physiologic alterations and safe therapeutic interventions.
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